Is War in Southeast Asia Inevitable? Geopolitics, History, and Rising Tensions
Is war in Southeast Asia inevitable? History shows the region has long been scarred by conflict, from the Srivijaya and Majapahit kingdoms to the Vietnam War. Today, China, India, and the US are reshaping the balance of power, with the South China Sea emerging as a dangerous flashpoint. Smaller ASEAN states face immense pressure as great powers compete for dominance. This article explores the historical roots, key players, possible triggers, and the fragile peace that holds the region together. Can Southeast Asia avoid becoming the frontline of a new great-power war?